Love in Ashes

Andrea, Femi, Sophie: three women, three destinies. Each of them crossed paths with a violent man who turned her life upside down.

At university, Andrea meets Thomas, a charming, charismatic man who abuses and manipulates her. At her church choir, Femi meets Patrick, a gem, who turns out to be an extremely violent control freak.

After chatting with him on a dating site, Sophie falls in love with Julien, an overbearing and egocentric man. Thomas, Patrick, and Julien are abusers.

What strategies does the abuser employ? Are there typical abuser profiles? Why do women stay? How can we challenge misconceptions about domestic violence?

Manipulation, physical violence, sexual assault... In France, in 2020, a woman died every 3.5 days as a result of domestic violence.

These three portraits, based on true stories, reflect our society. Far more than a testimony, this graphic novel delves deeply into the phenomena of coercive control and domestic violence.

To inform, alert, and prompt action.

✨ Review from Librairie du Grimoire Ancien

Anne Billows has created a graphic work of remarkable documentary power, transcending mere testimony to become an essential educational tool. Through three narratives based on authentic stories, the author meticulously dissects the mechanisms of coercive control and domestic violence with clinical precision. The choice of the graphic novel medium proves particularly relevant: the drawings allow the invisible to be visualized, materializing the psychological processes of manipulation and isolation that often escape external observation. Billows avoids the pitfall of misery porn by adopting a tone that is both empathetic and analytical, offering a sociological framework without ever dehumanizing her characters. The book methodically dismantles preconceived ideas and answers questions that many dare not ask, while respecting the complexity of the situations. Beyond its informative dimension, this graphic novel is a necessary militant act, a sensitization tool that addresses victims as well as their entourage and professionals. A courageous and indispensable editorial work, supported by a sober and effective graphic narrative that serves a public interest.